Honda protégé Makino finalises Hitech GP line-up

Tadasuke Makino has been confirmed as Hitech GP’s fourth driver for the 2017 FIA European Formula 3 Championship, after impressing the team during testing.

The Honda protégé finished fifth with four podium finishes during his rookie season of the All-Japan F3 Championship in 2016, and also impressed during his three events in the Super GT Championship.

Makino joins the already confirmed Ralf Aron, Jake Hughes and Nikita Mazepin in an expanded four-car entry, with the Japanese racer eyeing up a strong rookie season, even though all of the circuits on the calendar will be new to him.

“I am very excited to race with Hitech GP for the 2017 season, actually my first season competing in Europe,” said Makino. “I can’t wait for the first round at Silverstone, it is the team’s home circuit just a minute from our workshop and I’m really looking forward to racing at such a great track. All of the circuits will be new to me, but I know I have a great team to work with and very good team-mates.

“Of course, I must say a big thank you to all of my sponsors and supporters, especially Honda, they have given me a great opportunity to be with Hitech GP and made this deal possible. Hopefully it will be a strong first season for me in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.”